One of the most unexplored and underrated places to visit in Turkey is the Phrygian Valley (Frig Vadisi). The region is named for the Phrygians, an ancient people who were later assimilated into the culture of invaders and other rulers of Anatolia. You may have heard of King Midas or the Gordian Knot. Both are parts of Phrygian history.
The sleepy town of Seyitgazi, about an hour south of Eskişehir, doesn’t seem like a draw for tourists. I found that out when everyone I encountered asked me, “Why are you HERE? There’s nothing to see!” I disagree. I used Seyitgazi mainly as an entrance point into the Phrygian Valley, but the town does boast one worthy attraction.
The town of Osmaneli is a hidden gem. I made a day trip there from Eskişehir and spent two wonderful hours wandering through its streets discovering many beautiful Ottoman homes. The best thing about it is that I had the whole town to myself – no other tourists.
About an hour and a half from Eskişehir is the city of Bilecik. It’s a sizable city, but all of the interesting sites are focused around the gorge that the city was built around. I stopped for a couple hours to check them out. The fact that the bus station is conveniently located very near all of the sites makes it an easy point to hop off for a bit.
Nobody would ever expect such a powerful empire to come from such humble beginnings. The small town of Söğüt bore witness to the birth of the Ottoman Empire.
Istanbul Sapphire is the fourth tallest building in Istanbul (as of August 2024). It features an observation deck on the 56th floor.
The Bucoleon Palace (Βουκολέων) was one of the Byzantine palaces of Constantinople. The ruins are located in a small park on the Marmara Sea in the Küçük Ayasofya neighborhood. It’s just a short walk east of the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque.
Want to get off the beaten path in Istanbul? A good option is Kumkapı. This neighborhood on the shores of the Marmara Sea isn’t usually on the tourist radar. There are no big name attractions, but it’s nice to explore for a couple hours.
If you want peace and quiet, authentic Turkish hospitality, and gorgeous scenery, make your way Gölyazı. This tiny little town is situated a short ride west of Bursa on a small island in a large lake, Lake Uluabat (Uluabat Gölü).
Çekirge is a neighborhood a little ways outside of the historic city center of Bursa. The area is mostly residential but has a few historic places worth visiting.